You might have also seen bokeh photos with custom shapes, like this image by Abby Bischoff where the bokeh appears in the shape of hearts:

If you want to get this custom bokeh effect, you can do this by creating a custom filter using just construction paper.

What You’ll Need

Black construction paper or lightweight black cardstock

Scissors

X-Acto knife

Cutting mat

How to Make a Custom Bokeh Filter

Using a piece of black construction paper, cut out a strip of paper that will serve as your lens sleeve. The easiest way to get the measurements right is to measure it around your lens. Place your lens on its side on the construction paper, and cut a strip that will cover the entire lens. (If you’re using the 50mm, you’ll find around 8.6 inches by around 2 inches fits.)

Wrap the strip of construction paper around your lens, and tape it together.

Cut out a circle that will be taped to the front of the lens sleeve. You can use the lens sleeve as a guide to get the size of the lens cover right.

Cut a rectangle out of the lens cover. That rectangle should be larger than the shapes you will be using for your bokeh effect.

Cut squares out of your construction paper and draw small shapes on them — hearts, stars, trees, diamonds — whatever shape comes to mind. Make sure the shapes are smaller than the rectangle in your lens cover. Cut the shapes out using an X-Acto blade. If you have small shape punches you can use those instead.

Take the Photos

If you can, shoot either in manual or aperture priority mode, and make sure the aperture is at its widest.

Hold the shape over the lens cover or tape it to the lens cover with some low tack tape.

Direct your camera at lights: string lights, a Christmas tree, anything with a lot of small lights. The small lights will be transformed into the shape you’ve cut out.

To see the process in action, check out the video below:

Do you have any good DIY tips or tricks for taking your photography to the next level? Let us know in the comments.

Nancy is a writer and editor living in Washington DC. She was previously the Middle East editor at The Next Web and currently works at a DC-based think tank on communications and social media outreach.